SAMUT PRAKAN, July 7 — A one-stop service centre for the registration of foreign workers opened in the central provice of Samut Prakan, 30 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, on Monday, with ambassadors from three neighbouring countries invited to witness the launch of its operations.

Thai Army Chief of Staff Gen Sirichai Distakul, in his capacity as head of the subcommittee handling migrant worker issues, and Jirasuk Sugandhajati, permanent secretary for labour, brought the Myanmar, Lao and Cambodian ambassadors to Thailand to the newly-opened service centre in Bangpoo Mai subdistrict of the Samut Prakan provincial seat.

The one-stop service centre started operation today as ordered by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

The council ordered such facilities to open in seven more provinces–Samut Prakarn, Ayutthaya, Rayong, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Surat Thani and Songkhla.

The first centre of its kind opened last week in Samut Sakhon province to tackle illegal worker registration and human trafficking.

Samut Prakan governor Pinit Hanpanit said about 50,000 illegal migrant workers were expected to seek registration at the centre in his province–some 30,000 Myanmar, 15,000 Cambodian and 5,000 Lao nationals.

The workers will receive work permits that will be valid for 60 days.

Later employers must bring them to apply for the registration that will charge Bt1,305 per worker.

The registration will continue until August 5 and the provincial facility would be able to register 1,200 workers daily, Mr Pinit said.